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St. Paul
The painting depicts Saint Paul as a man sitting on a stone elevation, holding a thick book in his left hand, probably a large Gospel. The figure is dressed in a wide brown robe with numerous folds, presenting the heaviness and texture of the material. The saint's face shows an expression of seriousness and concentration, with dark hair with a slight hint of gray and balding, symbolizing wisdom. The painting is in the Baroque style with a strong play of light and shadow, giving realism and naturalness to the representation.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Diego Velázquez
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Date of birth and death
Baptised on 6 June 1599 – Died 6 August 1660
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Natinality
Spanish
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Style
Baroque
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Significant works
The Surrender of Breda, Rokeby Venus, Portrait of Innocent X, Las Meninas, Las Hilanderas
Information about the work
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Year:
1619-1620
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Execution technique:
Oil on canvas
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Location:
Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain; Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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Theme:
religious painting, portrait of a saint, Baroque
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
Depicting Saint Paul without the traditional attribute – the sword – and with an open book symbolizes his role as an apostle and teacher of Christianity. His contemplative gaze and posture may also refer to the legend of his conversion, after which he temporarily lost his sight.
The key to interpreting the work
When analyzing, consider the use of tenebrism technique, symbolism of the elements used, and Caravaggio's influence on Velázquez's early work.See other works by this artist
The Virgin appearing to St Ildephonsus and giving him a robe
- Artist: Diego Velázquez
- Year: 1620
